‘Brilliant ambassador’ will be much missed
CHARLOTTE WRIGHT,
Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise: ‘Steve has been a fantastic supporter of the work of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and served on the board of Lochaber Enterprise, where he brought not only a strong business focus but a real understanding of the importance of economic development in remote and rural areas. We have always appreciated Steve’s approach to developing a strong relationship with the public sector – and always with a smile! He has been a pleasure to work with, and has helped ensure that Highlands and Islands Enterprise continues to see aquaculture as a priority.’
ANGUS MORGAN,
former Director of Marine Harvest: ‘I was the general manager of Marine Harvest in the 70s when Steve Bracken joined us. As a student he had worked during the vacations at the salmon netting station of the formidable Willie Muir at Achiltibuie. This very appropriate experience (fish, labouring and west coast weather), together with a degree, made him a strong candidate. But what clinched it for me was his height, something I had asked [sea farms manager] Angus Macphie (in a totally non pc way) to take account of as there seemed to me to be a noticeable lack of it in the seawater staff at the time! Steve, and his great friend and colleague at Achiltibuie Alastair Ferguson, both made quite an impression in the business, and as the company expanded Steve was given more and more responsibility. I cannot now remember what sites he looked after or the various jobs he was asked to take on but I do remember that everything he did enhanced his reputation. So much so that when Unilever was investigating opportunities in prawn farming, Steve and Liz were off to Sri Lanka, where he achieved all or indeed much more than was asked of him. As it happened, at that time I attended a management course with Unilever Sri Lanka. Clearly, Steve had made a great impression with his new colleagues as rarely have I heard anyone described in such glowing terms.
STEPHEN DIVERS & IAIN FORBES Clockwise from top left: Angus Morgan (far left) with Bracken (far right) in 1993; with Ralph Baillie; with Ben Hadfield last year, celebrating 40 years at Marine Harvest.
of Fusion Marine:
‘Through his wealth of experience and understanding, Steve has proven to be a brilliant ambassador for the whole Scottish salmon farming sector. His vast knowledge will be missed by many, and we wish him the very best of luck in his retirement.’
Returning to Marine Harvest, Steve continued to demonstrate his forte for tackling the wide variety of jobs he was asked to undertake. I had the opportunity to work quite closely with him on a number of projects and his enthusiasm, commitment and, above all, the quality of his advice were second to none. From the 90s onwards the business went through a number of very significant changes of ownership and thereby direction and priorities, and although I was no longer involved I came across Steve in a number of important roles for the business. What struck me then was his professionalism and his very impressive commitment to Marine Harvest and to his colleagues. He was a very impressive (not just in stature!) advocate for the industry and the business. As a result of the wide range of responsibilities that Steve has been given, and has so enthusiastically and successfully embraced, over the last 41 years, it would be hard to dispute the fact that no one, anywhere, has as complete and expert a knowledge of the salmon farming business since its genesis. I hope he will write a book.’
www.fishfarmer-magazine.com
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